Community College Scholarships

Top community college students in the United States who are sophomores by January 1 or recent graduates since spring 2022, plan to transfer full-time to a four-year college, hold at least a 3.5 GPA, and demonstrate financial need may apply for the Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship through the Common App. Awards provide up to $55,000 per year as last-dollar funding toward completing a bachelor's degree. The selection process is rigorous and considers academics, financial need, perseverance, leadership, and community commitment. Recipients also receive college advising, transition support, and access to internship and graduate scholarship opportunities through the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.

High school seniors residing in the 50 states, D.C., or Puerto Rico with at least a 2.5 GPA and demonstrated financial need who plan full-time enrollment at an accredited two- or four-year U.S. college may apply. One hundred recipients receive $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years (up to $20,000 total per student). Apply through Scholarship America's online application, including personal and academic information, a written essay on ambition, resilience, and community impact, and documentation of GPA and planned enrollment. The program supports students who strive to be a force for good in their communities and inspire others to pursue higher education.

U.S. citizens or student-visa holders who are high school graduates or GED recipients with a 3.0 GPA may apply when the Blue Collar Brain scholarship program is open. Applicants must enroll full time in a vocational or technical school or two-year college for a skilled trade such as automotive, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, or welding. One $2,500 scholarship is paid directly to the winner's accredited school. Proof of enrollment is required.

Students currently enrolled at a U.S. community college, junior college, city college, or similar two-year institution who have completed at least two transfer courses in geography and plan to transfer as a geography major to a four-year college may apply for the Darrel Hess Community College Geography Scholarship from the American Association of Geographers. Up to four $1,500 scholarships are awarded, each with a formal certificate of merit. Funds may be used for any educational expenses. Apply by the fall or spring deadline. Awards are announced at the AAG annual meeting. Scholarships are funded by Darrel Hess, author of McKnight's Physical Geography: A Landscape Appreciation.

Iowa high school seniors enrolling at an Iowa community college in the fall for advanced manufacturing careers such as welding, CNC machining, industrial automation, robotics, tool and die, or transportation and logistics may apply. Fifteen $500 scholarships are awarded by the Iowa ABI Foundation. Complete the application and answer eligibility questions. Elevate Advanced Manufacturing promotes careers in a sector that comprises a significant share of Iowa employment.

Community college students age 18 and older enrolled in cybersecurity or related technology programs in the United States may apply on a rolling basis for the Last Mile Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship. The program provides up to $500 for short-term basic needs and up to $375 toward cybersecurity certification exam costs, plus access to LinkedIn Premium, GitHub Global Campus, and Global Mentors Initiative. No minimum GPA is required. Complete the online application with proof of enrollment, demonstrate financial need, and submit required tax forms. Students from underrepresented groups in cybersecurity are encouraged to apply. Last Mile Education Fund supports community college students building careers in cybersecurity and related fields.

Graduates of Chicago Public Schools and partner high schools may qualify for the Chicago Star Scholarship, a last-dollar tuition-and-books waiver at City Colleges of Chicago. Eligible students may use the benefit for up to three years starting the fall semester after high school graduation. Students need a 3.0 GPA, must complete financial aid paperwork, and enroll in a degree or certificate program for more than one semester. The application deadline is the last day of registration for the upcoming 16-week credit term. Award value varies based on remaining tuition and book costs after other aid.